Ask a Death Doula

Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
  • 4.6 (80)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Ask a Death Doula

Ask a Death Doula with experienced hospice and oncology nurse, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a platform to empower, heal and inspire people through brining back the sacred awareness of death and all that it teaches us about life.This podcast is to help people accept death as a natural part of life and provide a safe space to learn about the subject openly. This education is for family caregivers wanting to learn how to care for those at the end of life and is packed with invaluable information for professional Death Doulas. Death is a natural part of life, and understanding it can help us to live our lives more fully. By facing the reality of death, we can gain a better understanding of our own existence and find meaning in life. When we come to terms with death, we can turn our fear into a source of strength and courage. Ultimately, learning about death can help us to live more meaningful lives by giving us perspective on what really matters in life. By coming to terms with mortality, we gain insight into how precious each moment is and how important it is to make the most out of every day. Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse and the founder of International Doulagivers Institute. She is a founding member of The National Hospice and Palliative Care organization NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and former Vice President of NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance. Suzanne was awarded “Worldwide Leader in Healthcare” by the International Nurses Association in 2015 for creating Doulagivers Institute. Suzanne was named Humanitarian Ambassador for Oprah Magazine in 2019 for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    How To Be A Confident Caregiver

    In this podcast episode, listeners are guided through the journey of becoming confident caregivers, particularly in the context of end-of-life planning. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation and informed decision-making in caregiving, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges faced by caregivers. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, the host discusses the significance of family discussions about future care preferences and explores various living arrangements and care options, including the role of death doulas. The episode also delves into eco-friendly body disposition methods, such as natural burials, water cremation, and human composting, encouraging listeners to consider sustainable choices that align with personal and environmental values. By reframing end-of-life conversations with compassion and sustainability, the podcast aims to empower caregivers and promote a respectful and meaningful farewell for their loved ones.

    47 min

  2. OCT 14

    What is Hospice Care, What is Hospice Gap and How You Can Fill It

    In this podcast episode, the evolution of hospice care is traced from its inception by Dame Cicely Saunders in the 1960s to the challenges it faces today. The episode discusses how the introduction of the Medicare hospice benefit in 1982 shifted hospice care towards for-profit entities, which compromised the foundational principles of compassionate and holistic care. The episode highlights the ”hospice gap,” emphasizing the burdens on family caregivers and the systemic issues resulting in poor end-of-life experiences. It also provides listeners with crucial questions to ask when selecting a hospice, emphasizing the importance of understanding hospice services, the care team, and family support. Additionally, the podcast offers resources from the Doulagivers Institute to help families reclaim the sacredness of life and death through education and holistic support. The episode ultimately aims to empower families with end-of-life knowledge, ensuring dignity and compassion in hospice care.

    25 min

  3. OCT 7

    The History of Death and How it Became the #1 Fear in the World

    In this episode, former hospice and oncology nurse Suzanne O’Brien shares her profound insights on transforming our approach to death. Drawing from her upbringing in a family of medical professionals and her extensive career, Suzanne delves into the pervasive fear of death in modern society and its detrimental effects on end-of-life experiences. She contrasts the historical reverence for death with today’s avoidance and urges a cultural shift to embrace death as a natural part of life. Suzanne recounts her experiences with patients, including a poignant story about Maureen, a 44-year-old woman with gallbladder cancer. Through Maureen’s journey, she emphasizes the significance of human connections and the powerful impact of final moments spent with loved ones. The episode underscores the necessity of honest conversations about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and advocates for a compassionate approach to end-of-life care. Listeners are invited to join the Good Death Seminar Series to learn more about transforming end-of-life experiences through open conversations and kindness. Suzanne encourages a rethinking of death as a ”second birthday” or a spiritual graduation, aiming to ensure positive end-of-life experiences supported by education and compassion.

    29 min

  4. SEP 30

    The Good Death Seminar Series Announced

    What if you could ensure a dignified, compassionate end-of-life experience for a loved one? Join us in this transformative episode of Ask a Deaf Doula as Suzanne O'Brien, former hospice and oncology nurse, introduces the groundbreaking Good Death Seminar Series. This six-month, entirely free program is designed to bridge critical gaps in hospice care by equipping families with essential knowledge and skills. Suzanne passionately discusses the current state of hospice care, stressing the urgent need for better family preparation and support. From historical perspectives on death to practical caregiving skills, this series promises to be an invaluable resource. Mark your calendars for key sessions that will reshape your approach to end-of-life care. Tune in on December 4th to explore defining quality of life and making informed medical choices, and on December 18th for nine must-answer questions to ensure a good death experience. Discover the importance of family conversations about end-of-life wishes on January 1st, and gain tools for navigating family disagreements on January 15th. Finally, on January 29th, we will discuss three common end-of-life phenomena reported globally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity and grace.   SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on OCTOBER 2nd at 7pm ET Click here The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now:    We dive into: (00:02) Good Death Seminar Series Announcement(14:17) End-of-Life Seminar Series Information         We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.       Links mentioned in this episode: Doulagivers Institute The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK  The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar    80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things: Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE! Access them Below! Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!     More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

    28 min

  5. SEP 23

    How to Make a Death Doula Website

    In this episode of the ”Ask a Death Doula” podcast, Suzanne O’Brien offers insights on creating an impactful online presence for death doulas. Suzanne, a former hospice and oncology nurse and founder of the International Doulagivers Institute, discusses building a compelling website using platforms like Squarespace and Wix, emphasizing genuine messaging, proper training, and resonant colors and images. Listeners learn about the vital role of death doulas, who provide emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational support. Suzanne stresses the importance of end-of-life preparedness and sharing personal stories to build trust. She provides practical tips, such as using free resources like Unsplash. The episode details the services offered by death doulas, including end-of-life conversations, spiritual support, vigil planning, and grief support. Suzanne highlights how death doulas fill gaps left by traditional hospice care, offering personalized support before, during, and after a loved one’s passing. The podcast also emphasizes accessible end-of-life resources, such as the Doula Givers Nine Choice Advance Directive and community events like Life Café and good death seminars. This episode is a valuable resource for those interested in becoming a death doula or seeking support for a loved one’s end-of-life journey.

    42 min

  6. SEP 16

    3 Steps to Ensure a Positive Passing for You and Your Loved Ones

    In the episode of ”Ask a Death Doula,” Suzanne O’Brien guides listeners through essential end-of-life care phases, emphasizing compassionate care, advanced planning, and sustainable body disposition choices. Suzanne outlines the three phases of end-of-life care—shock, stabilization, and transition—detailing interventions for each. She highlights the importance of advanced directives and POLST forms, explaining their role through real-life stories. The episode also explores sustainable alternatives to traditional burial practices, such as home wakes, natural burials, water cremation, and human composting, emphasizing their environmental and financial benefits.

    29 min

  7. AUG 13

    A Heartbeat of Resilience: Peggy Lindsay's Journey from Crisis to Recovery

    In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of Peggy Lindsay, a heart transplant survivor and author of ”My Beat Goes On.” Peggy recounts her harrowing journey from being misdiagnosed with life-threatening cardiogenic shock to receiving a life-saving second opinion that led to a successful heart transplant. Her experience highlights the crucial role of proactive medical care and the power of relentless advocacy from loved ones. Peggy discusses the importance of managing pain effectively during recovery and shares fascinating insights into post-surgery phenomena like cellular memory and heightened intuition. She attributes her swift recovery to her positive outlook and the exceptional care she received at Tampa General Hospital. Throughout the episode, Peggy’s narrative serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of modern medicine. Tune in to hear how she navigated intense challenges and emerged with a renewed lease on life.

    41 min

  8. AUG 6

    Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Adrian Allotey, Founder of You Are Not Alone Elder Care

    In this episode, we talk with Adrian Allotey, an end-of-life doula, who shares her journey in end-of-life care. Motivated by the guilt of not being with her grandmother more, Adrian found her calling in providing emotional and spiritual support during life’s final moments. Adrian discusses her mission to educate families about the natural end-of-life process, introducing ”dress rehearsals” to prepare families for their loved ones’ final moments. She also touches on the impact of global events like COVID-19 on our views of death and the importance of reconnecting with meaningful connections. Adrian highlights the power of physical closeness, music, and dancing in creating a peaceful end-of-life environment and the necessity of involving distant family members. Listeners will be moved by her dedication to honoring life’s final chapter with love and her vision of a compassionate world through kindness and presence. This episode is a profound reminder of the holistic nature of end-of-life care and the role of death doulas in transforming our perspectives on death.

    32 min
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4.6
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Ask a Death Doula with experienced hospice and oncology nurse, Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a platform to empower, heal and inspire people through brining back the sacred awareness of death and all that it teaches us about life.This podcast is to help people accept death as a natural part of life and provide a safe space to learn about the subject openly. This education is for family caregivers wanting to learn how to care for those at the end of life and is packed with invaluable information for professional Death Doulas. Death is a natural part of life, and understanding it can help us to live our lives more fully. By facing the reality of death, we can gain a better understanding of our own existence and find meaning in life. When we come to terms with death, we can turn our fear into a source of strength and courage. Ultimately, learning about death can help us to live more meaningful lives by giving us perspective on what really matters in life. By coming to terms with mortality, we gain insight into how precious each moment is and how important it is to make the most out of every day. Suzanne B. O’Brien RN is a former hospice and oncology nurse and the founder of International Doulagivers Institute. She is a founding member of The National Hospice and Palliative Care organization NHPCO’s End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and former Vice President of NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance. Suzanne was awarded “Worldwide Leader in Healthcare” by the International Nurses Association in 2015 for creating Doulagivers Institute. Suzanne was named Humanitarian Ambassador for Oprah Magazine in 2019 for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ask a Death Doula

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